A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They may also offer entertainment such as concerts and comedy shows. In some cases, casinos are operated by religious groups, nonprofit organizations, or social clubs. In military and non-military usage, the term “casino” may refer to an officers’ mess.

The most famous European casinos are located in Paris, Monaco, and Cannes on the French Riviera, while Atlantic City and Las Vegas are among the most well-known American ones. Most US states have legalized casinos, including some run by Native American tribes.

Most casinos feature games of chance and some with an element of skill, such as blackjack, roulette, and video poker. The odds of these games give the house a mathematical advantage, and casinos ensure this by employing security measures such as manned surveillance cameras, doorman service, and secure betting zones. In games where players play against each other, the house typically makes its profit by taking a percentage of the pot or charging an hourly fee.

Because large sums of money are handled in a casino, it is possible for patrons to cheat or steal from each other or the staff. This can occur in collusion or independently, and is discouraged by a number of security measures. Some casinos have specialized cameras in the ceiling, and others have catwalks where security personnel can look down at the table and slot machines through one-way glass.